Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Greater London is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant to support young people with mental health difficulties. The role involves creating and delivering therapeutic activities and requires experience in mental health settings and competence in engaging youth. This full-time, permanent position offers a salary range of £27,485 to £30,162 per annum plus additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience planning and running therapeutic groups within a health or social care setting.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Understanding of mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver clinical interventions using technical, creative, and specialised skills.
• Design and deliver therapeutic programmes for young people.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records.

Skills

Experience in mental health

Ability to engage with young people

Knowledge of therapeutic activities

Education

Further education qualification in health or mental health related subject

A‑C Grade GCSEs in Maths and English

Job description

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

The closing date is 12 December 2025.

We are looking to recruit Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) for both the General Adolescent Unit and the CAMHS PICU.

In order to deliver the high quality of care we believe our young people deserve, we have a multi‑disciplinary team (MDT) comprising nursing staff as well as doctors, clinical psychologists, systemic family therapists, occupational therapists, social workers and education staff. Together we engage with young people and their families to provide a range of interventions that meet each individual's needs. OTAs help communicate and engage with young people, occupy them with meaningful activity at all stages of their illness, and work closely with the OT team to devise, plan and facilitate patient‑centred therapeutic groups and 1:1 sessions. The focus is on recovery, risk reduction and the development of independent living skills to enable the young person to return to the community.

You must have experience of either working in an acute mental health setting or in a youth setting with young people where you have delivered a range of activities individually or as a group. In return you will be supported by an experienced nursing team and senior occupational therapists.

Main duties of the job

To be able to use highly specialised technical and/or creative skills to coordinate, develop and facilitate a flexible, client‑centred programme of therapeutic activities for individuals and groups of young people who experience mental health difficulties. This programme will be developed under the supervision of the ward manager and OTs, with input from other MDT staff. The post involves shift work including weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and bank holidays, so applicants must be able to work these hours.

About us

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) has the largest and most specialised CAMHS services in the country and is at the forefront of personalised support for young people and children. Our general adolescent inpatient services – the Bethlem Adolescent Unit and Tyson East 2 – are based in the beautiful grounds of the Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham. We also have the CAMHS PICU, which can accommodate 7 beds and treats our most vulnerable young people. We seek staff who truly understand the needs of these young people, who can bring innovation and change to our growing services, and who are keen to join a dynamic, supportive, and highly skilled team.

Job responsibilities

• Clinical:
  • Work autonomously in delivering clinical interventions using technical, creative and specialised skills to engage young people.
  • Provide a flexible inclusive therapeutic programme covering weekdays, evenings, weekends (Saturday & Sunday) and school holidays.
  • Design and deliver therapeutic programmes using specialised skills, maintain and update OT assessments, and review care plans where appropriate.
  • Assist in the design, evaluation and modification of OT and team interventions, maintain risk assessment and management principles, and support safety and well‑being.
  • Under supervision use specialised technical/creative/physical exercise skills to promote independence and wellbeing.
• Communication:
  • Build professional relationships with young people, carers, colleagues and external agencies.
  • Communicate effectively on clinical matters and outcomes with MDT members.
  • Provide clear instruction and guidance in therapeutic activities for individuals and groups.
  • Motivate and engage young people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Contribute to MDT decision‑making.
• Documentation:
  • Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date written and electronic records in line with professional and Trust standards.
  • Correspond with external agencies on clinical matters as directed by senior staff.
  • Write OT assessments and reports following local standards.
  • Develop and implement relevant policies and procedures, including safe practice guidelines.
• Leadership, Supervision & Appraisal:
  • Reflect on practice through clinical and professional supervision and appraisal.
  • Provide daily support and guidance to staff to ensure effective service delivery.
  • Lead and support junior staff.
• Professional Ethics & Development:
  • Comply with national, local procedures and professional code of conduct.
  • Respect individual values and cultural diversity of clients.
  • Pursue ongoing personal development through relevant training and supervision.
• Service Development & Delivery:
  • Participate in planning, reviewing and developing services within the clinical area.
  • Maintain tools, materials and equipment, ensuring a safe environment.
  • Stay current with OT strategy, business plans and local service reviews.
• Clinical Governance & Quality Standards:
  • Take part in clinical governance and quality improvement projects.
• Line Management, Staff & Budgets:
  • Manage time effectively, maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
  • Handle petty cash, stock control and equipment use as required.
  • Assist the Senior OT in leading the ward therapeutic programme.
• Research & Practice Development:
  • Keep up‑to‑date with practice techniques and apply them daily.
  • Participate in OT/team audit, evaluation and research projects.
  • Undertake small audits or research projects as appropriate.

Person Specification – Qualifications

• Specific qualification or technical skill to a degree level or equivalent (e.g. appropriate NVQ, City & Guilds in a technical area), or willingness to undertake.
• A‑C Grade GCSEs in Maths and English.
• Further education qualification in health or mental health related subject.

Experience

• Experience working in mental health.
• Experience providing teaching or therapeutic interventions individually and in groups.
• Experience planning and running groups within a health or social care setting.
• Experience working with young people with mental health problems.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Detailed knowledge and skills in planning and implementing a variety of leisure, creative, technical and physical exercise activities.
• Understanding of mental health issues.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check for any previous convictions.

Salary & Benefits

£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum + HCA depending on location.

Contract & Working Pattern

Permanent, Full‑time.

Reference Number

334‑CLI‑7581509

Employer

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.